The Opposition today launched a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government over the continuous rising record-high fuel prices across the country.

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IndiaToday.in

New Delhi

September 4, 2018

UPDATED: September 4, 2018 17:24 IST

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu said the rupee will also touch 100 against the dollar. (Photo: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTS

Total increase in diesel prices is over Rs 3 per litre in last one month

Diesel per litre is priced at Rs 71.34 in Delhi and Rs 75.74 in Mumbai

Diesel per litre is priced at Rs 71.34 in Delhi and Rs 75.74 in Mumbai

The Opposition today launched a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government over the continuously rising fuel prices across the country. The fuel prices on Tuesday surged for the 10th straight day with diesel prices going up by nearly 20 paise and petrol prices by 16 paise.

Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today said that the petrol would be soon sold at Rs 100 per litre. Addressing a press conference, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that in addition to petrol prices, the rupee will also touch 100 against the dollar.

After the hike on Tuesday, the total increase in petrol prices is around Rs 2.50 per litre, while for diesel it has crossed Rs 3 per litre in the last one month.

(Data source: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.)

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram blamed the Centre for rising petrol and diesel prices, saying that it was happening due to "excessive taxes". In a series of tweets, the former finance minister also demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under GST immediately.

Relentless rise in prices of petrol and diesel is not inevitable. Because, the price is built up by excessive taxes on petrol and diesel. If taxes are cut, prices will decline significantly.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Motilal Vora also criticised the NDA government asking it to take corrective measures. "Public is unhappy with the rising fuel prices. This unsuccessful government should take some measures to curb the prices," Vohra said.

According to sources, the Congress is also planning a countrywide protest on September 6. The Congress is also in touch with the other parties as it plans to take on the Narendra Modi government over rising fuel prices.

Lok Jan Shakti Party leader and Lok Sabha member Chirag Paswan also announced that a party delegation will soon meet Dharmendra Pradhan, the petroleum minister to discuss the issue.

(Data source: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.)

Fuel prices have been increasing continuously since the beginning of August on the cue of rising crude oil prices and falling rupee against the dollar. The price of crude oil went up to $78.05 per barrel on Tuesday from $77.37 per barrel on Monday.

The government has been under immense pressure to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel to bring the prices of fuel down. The prices have breached the previous record-high reached on May 29.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan last week blamed the "isolationist" policies of the US for the "abnormally" rising fuel prices in the international markets.